Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

Hayabusa's ground track for its final Earth approach

Hayabusa's ground track for its final Earth approach
Hayabusa's ground track for its final Earth approach During Hayabusa's final approach to Earth, its ground track will initially travel slowly westward (a result of Earth's rotation). The spacecraft will actually pass over Uchinoura, Japan, from where it launched in 2003. In the final few hours, Hayabusa will accelerate Earthward, and the ground track will take an eastward hook. The capsule will separate about 3 hours prior to the Earth return, scheduled for about 14:00 UTC June 13. ISAS / JAXA